West Ham vs Watford by Luke

West Ham didn't start in the season in the best possible way, mostly due the fact that they once again disappointed in Europe very early, as the team got excluded in the play-off round for Europa League group stage being defeated to Romanian side Astra back in August, just as it happened against the same side one year before.

Apart from that, they suffered defeats to Chelsea and Manchester City on the road, which surely isn't a negative surprise, while the only game they had to win, was at home against Bournemouth and the players managed to get a narrow 1:0 victory in only home match in Premier League. No doubt that they are looking to continue positive streak at home and improve their morale further.

Players of West Ham should be playing in 4-2-3-1 formation with Zaza as alone striker, but also with Antonio and Lanzini on the wings and Payet as central offensive midfielder. Important player Sofiane Feghouli is available after recovering from thigh injury for Slaven Bilic over the international break. However, hosts continue to miss left full back Aaron Cresswell and forward Diafra Sakho (both without performance so far in the season), other forward/winger Andre Ayew (1/0) and striker Andy Carroll (1/0). Gokhan Tore is expected to start at the bench this time.

Watford, on the other side, is far away from their best form and it's obvious that the players will need much more time in order to start clicking together. Their results aren't anywhere close to positive, but at the same time they faced up against strong opponents and couldn't wish for much more even in better days.

Defeats at home againstr Arsenal and Chelsea might have not been completely expected, but nobody regards them as negative surprise, while the team took a point in only away game so far facing up against Southampton and staying undefeated following 1:1 draw. They are were excluded from EFL Cup back in August, losing at home surpsingly to Gillingham after extra-time player, surely a negative outcome for everyone in the club, even though it came with a rotated squad.

Watford should be playing in 3-5-2 formation this time away from home, with Deeney and Ighalo as their two strikers. Defensive midfielder Brice Dja Djedje is ruled out with a foot injury and won't be playing, while doubtful remains central defender Craig Catchcart (2/0). On the other side, Daryl Janmaat and Roberto Pereyra should be making full debuts this time out. Isaac Success should start from the bench.

West Ham are undefeated in 17 of their last 18 home matches (Premier League).

Watford have failed to win their last 6 matches (Premier League).

West Ham might have not started the season as expected, but the team will now be fully fired up to get their second consecutive victory. Looking at opponents, they couldn't wish for much better rival in today's game, since they await Watford that needs a lot more time in order to start playing as a team. Hosts should have enough quality to get a victory over a club that invest a lot this Summer, but the players will need much more time to gel into a real team.